Transitions are tough!

I’ve been thinking a lot about transitions lately as I’m in the process of moving from California to North Carolina. It’s common knowledge that individuals with ASD and other mental health disorders struggle with transitions. After just having gone through a major transition myself, I’m wondering if we all don’t have some level of difficulty with transitions. Our routines are off, we’re unsure what to expect, we may be in a new environment with new and sometimes overwhelming stimuli. And in many ways, isn’t it normal to have an adjustment period when things change? I know I’m certainly going through an adjustment period now. My house is new and has some residual construction smells leftover, my personal items haven’t arrived with the movers yet so I can’t find the things I want/need or I’m having to do without, I get lost driving around a new town, and I don’t yet know anyone so I don’t have physically present social supports. All of these things lead to increased anxiety and stress. Somewhere around the middle of central Arkansas, I had the thought that many of these feelings are likely ever present in our kids with ASD and that this experience has given me a greater glimpse at the discomfort caused by smaller transitions in their daily lives. I wonder then if for some of our kiddos, daily changes may feel like cross country moves? Remembering these feelings during moments when I’m asking a child to transition, may help me to connect with him or her more compassionately as I can recall the feelings of confusion, uncertainty, and being overwhelmed. Have you felt overwhelmed with a transition? How can you use that experience to help create more meaningful connections and supports for individuals who may be struggling with a transition?

Dr. Becca